Atlanta Falcons: Antone Smith Deserves More Carries

By Daniel Chi

Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since the day the fourth-year running back exploded onto the scene when he rushed twice for 88 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneersand a touchdown, Atlanta Falcons‘ Antone Smith has earned the right to be more involved in the offense and deserves more carries than what he has been given in the past few games.

In their win over the Buffalo Bills, Smith continued his torrid ways as he took his one carry to the house for a 38-yard rushing touchdown that help propel the Falcons to continue fighting in a close game. On the year, Smith has five carries for 145 yards and two scores.

At 28-years old, Smith is awfully close to the kryptonite age of 30, where the skills start to diminish along with the speed and talent that the running back usually possess. Still, he deserves to have more carries, especially over Jason Snelling and even Jacquizz Rodgers.

Smith is currently is behind Snelling, Rodgers and the lead back in Steven Jackson. While offensive coordinate Dirk Koetter realizes that Smith has been successful as of late, the Falcons coaching staff has continued to find ways to get the speedster involved in the offensive scheme.

As of right now, Smith continues to man the bench when he clearly deserves to be much more involved in an offense that has turned into old and slow. Even though the backfield for the Falcons seem log jammed at the moment, Smith has earned his spot out on the field and clearly deserves more carries to show what else he can do for the team.

Outside of Jackson, Smith should be given a fair chance to make an impact like his 38-yard touchdown against the Bills in the fourth quarter. With limited touches, he has shown the ability to break open any play and in a hopeless season, he should be given the chance to shine.